Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church Diocese of Southwest America Sunday School Association

Transcription

1 Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church Diocese of Southwest America Sunday School Association Dallas Region (Dallas, Oklahoma, Denver) 2012 Oral Talent Competition Guidelines

2 Table of Contents 1. Document Purpose Logistics Date/Time Hosting Parish Competition Committee Committee Organization Duties of the Committee Program Schedule Registration Deadline Venue Coordination & Judging Venue Coordination Judging Competition Eligibility Competition Items Group 1 (Grades Pre-KG and KG) Solo Song Malayalam Solo Song English Group Song Malayalam Velivu Niranjo Reeso (1 st stanza) Group Song English By Thy light (1 st stanza) Prayer Recital Trisagion (Holy Art Thou, O God) Group 2 (Grades 1 & 2) Solo Song Malayalam Solo Song English Group Song Malayalam Yachikkendum (1 st and 2 nd stanzas) Group Song English Come the time (1 st and 2 nd stanzas) Prayer Recital Our Father Group 3 (Grades 3 & 4) Solo Song Malayalam Solo Song English Group Song Malayalam Bhoovilasesham Group Song English Those Apostles Elocution Parable of the Sower Prayer Recital Psalms

3 8.4. Group 4 (Grades 5 & 6) Solo Song Malayalam Solo Song English Group Song Malayalam Naadtha Nin Rajyam Group Song English Lord as Thy kingdom Elocution Holy Confession Prayer Recital Nicene Creed Group 5 (Grades 7 & 8) Solo Song Malayalam Solo Song English Group Song Malayalam Dhanye Mathave (2 stanzas) Group Song English O Blessed Mother(2 stanzas) Elocution Our body, His temple Prayer Recital Psalm Group 6 (Grades 9 & 10) Solo Song Malayalam Solo Song English Group Song Malayalam Sabhayam Thiru Sabhayam (Four stanzas) Group Song English Church am I, the Holy Church (Four stanzas) Elocution Institution or Establishment of the Holy Eucharist Prayer Recital Psalm Group 7 (Grades 11 & 12) Solo Song Malayalam Solo Song English Group Song Malayalam - Pathivrithayam Group Song English Holy Church to Heavenly Groom Elocution The Mission of the Church Prayer Recital Psalm Event Guidelines Time Limits Solo Songs Rules for English and Malayalam Solo Songs Group Songs - Rules for English and Malayalam Group Songs Song Evaluation - Explanation of Terms Elocution- Rules Elocution - Explanation of Terms

4 9.7. Prayer Recital Rules for Group Prayer Recital Rules for Group Prayer Recital - Explanation of Terms Miscellaneous Items Master of Ceremony Guidelines Tabulation Process Winners and Awards Guidelines Ever-Rolling Trophy Award Candidates with Special Needs Financial Matters Additional Guidelines

5 1. Document Purpose The purpose of this document is to outline the guidelines by which the Sunday School Oral Competition will be conducted and administered. The guidelines are intended to give a fair and unbiased set of criteria to judge the talent of the Sunday School participants. 2. Logistics 2.1. Date/Time Saturday, May 12th 2012, 9:00am CST 2.2. Hosting Parish St. Thomas Orthodox Church 9414 Shiloh Road Dallas, TX Competition Committee 3.1. Committee Organization a) Regional Coordinator: Philip Thomas b) Competition Coordinators: Sony Alexander (Lead), Elizabeth Varghese (Asst) c) Regional Competition Committee Members: All Principals + Philip Thomas d) Judges Coordinator: Tigy Thomas + 3 judges from each parish e) Tabulation Coordinator: Sabin Thomas (Lead), Simi Peter, (Asst), Jim Abraham (Asst), Diane Philip (Asst) f) Finance Coordinator: Ninan Abraham (St. Paul) g) Venue Coordinators: Jiji Abraham (Lead), Moni Joy (Asst), Shibu Mathew (Asst) h) Master of Ceremony: 2 from each church (2 per venue will be assigned) i) Rules Coordinator: Sony Alexander, Elizabeth Varghese, (Asst), Thomas Abraham (Asst) j) Food Coordinator: Ninan Abraham, Elizabeth Varghese, Sajan Mathew, Saji George k) Time Keepers: 1 from each church l) Award Coordinator: Rev. Fr. Rajesh K. John + TBD m) Publicity Coordinator: TBD n) Doorkeepers: TBD from Hosting Parish 3.2. Duties of the Committee a) The regional competition committee is in charge of conducting and overseeing the competitions in a professional manner. 5

6 b) Venue coordinators will supervise each venue c) The participant along with their parents will bring up any complaints or disputes arising from the competition to the respective principals who will then bring it to the attention of the Regional Coordinator or one of the committee members. d) The issue will be referred to the regional competition committee for final decision. e) Committee s decision will be final and binding to all participants. 4. Program Schedule a) Regional Coordinator, along with the Regional Competition Coordinator will organize the event with the assistance of the regional competition committee and any sub-committee or members from the hosting parish. b) All the Judges must be present at the Church for briefing at 8:30 AM on the day of the event for judges briefing and information. All Principals and the Regional Committee members are also required to participate in the briefing along with the Judges. All Priests from the region are most welcome to be a part of this briefing. c) Program will start at 9:00 AM with Prayer by the Priests at the venue. d) The regional committee will provide breakfast, lunch, and snacks to all the participants and the audience. 5. Registration Deadline a) List of the Church Competition winners will be ed electronically to the Regional Coordinator by the principals of all churches on or before Saturday, March 24th, b) Names received after the deadline will not be included in the final list of the regional competition participants. c) No addition or substitution of participant names will be allowed after the principals submit their finalized lists. d) Names of candidates with special needs must be attached with the final list. 6. Venue Coordination & Judging 6.1. Venue Coordination a) Each venue will be supervised by one (1) Venue Coordinator and one (1) representative from an alternative parish, different than that of the venue coordinator. b) The Lead Venue Coordinator will assign a coordinator for each venue, with approval from the Regional Competition Committee, for each venue of the competition. c) The Venue Coordinators will work with the MC, judging/timekeeping volunteer, audio volunteer and doorkeeper to ensure smooth flow of the competition for that venue. d) Venue Coordinator s responsibilities include: i. Selecting individuals from their parish to provide assistance ii. Maintaining the files for each individual event for the venue. 6

7 iii. With the help of the judging volunteer: a. Provide the judges with appropriate/respective judging sheets for each event. b. Collect the judging sheets after each event (group) and deliver these judging sheets to the tabulation room as soon as possible. c. Ensure at the time of collection of judging sheets that all necessary information has been entered, including any deductions. e) With the help of the timekeeper: a. Time each event (timed events) and maintain log of time for each participant. b. Be responsible for letting the participant and judges know of the times through appropriate colored cards (black - under minimum time; yellow warning; red over maximum time). f) Coordinate audio volunteer to stay at the front during the competition and manage audio systems. g) Have master list for cross verification in tabulation for no shows, dressing violations, over/under the time limit violations, and exact individual times for timed items. h) Maintain decorum at each venue so that the participants and judges have minimum distractions. Make sure no one walks around by the performer during the performance. i) Be responsible for smooth transitions between events. j) Post sign on the venue doors to control traffic prevent door opening during performance Judging a) In order to keep the fairness in the competitions, each church will provide at least 3 judges to the Regional Committee. It is recommended that each parish provide more than 3 judges to avoid judging fatigue. b) Of the 3 judges, 2 shall be for singing events and 1 shall be for speaking events. c) For the purposes of assigning judges appropriately, prayer and recitation shall be considered as singing events. d) Names of the judges from each parish should reach the Regional Coordinator by March 24th, 2012 with the preference of their criteria in judging and any conflicts they have with judging specific participants. s and phone numbers for all judges shall also be given to the Regional Coordinator. e) Willingness to judge and dedication to fair and accurate judging shall be primary criteria to select judges from each parish. f) Good judging from previous years shall be considered when selecting judges from each Parish. g) As much as possible, Seminarians, deacons, and priests shall be assigned as judges for speaking events. h) As much as possible, judges who know Malayalam shall be assigned for Malayalam song events. i) Judges will not do any tabulation in the grading sheet. j) The tabulation Committee will do the tabulations after each event. k) By April 21, 2012, judges will be provided with judging guidelines and judging criteria for each item. l) As much as possible, by April 27, 2012, a conference call shall be conducted with all judges to ensure familiarity with judging guidelines and expectations. 7

8 7. Competition Eligibility The maximum number of students a parish can send for a regional competition event is 2, i.e. the first and second place winners at the parish level. In the event of a tie at the parish level, the parish should break the tie to designate the two eligible names. 8

9 8. Competition Items 8.1. Group 1 (Grades Pre-KG and KG) Solo Song Malayalam Solo Song English Group Song Malayalam Velivu Niranjo Reeso (1 st stanza) Group Song English By Thy light (1 st stanza) Prayer Recital Trisagion (Holy Art Thou, O God) 8.2. Group 2 (Grades 1 & 2) Solo Song Malayalam Solo Song English Group Song Malayalam Yachikkendum (1 st and 2 nd stanzas) Group Song English Come the time (1 st and 2 nd stanzas) Prayer Recital Our Father 8.3. Group 3 (Grades 3 & 4) Solo Song Malayalam Solo Song English Group Song Malayalam Bhoovilasesham Group Song English Those Apostles Elocution Parable of the Sower Prayer Recital Psalms 23 9

10 8.4. Group 4 (Grades 5 & 6) Solo Song Malayalam Solo Song English Group Song Malayalam Naadtha Nin Rajyam Group Song English Lord as Thy kingdom Elocution Holy Confession Prayer Recital Nicene Creed 8.5. Group 5 (Grades 7 & 8) Solo Song Malayalam Solo Song English Group Song Malayalam Dhanye Mathave (2 stanzas) Group Song English O Blessed Mother(2 stanzas) Elocution Our body, His temple Prayer Recital Psalm 63 10

11 8.6. Group 6 (Grades 9 & 10) Solo Song Malayalam Solo Song English Group Song Malayalam Sabhayam Thiru Sabhayam (Four stanzas) Group Song English Church am I, the Holy Church (Four stanzas) Elocution Institution or Establishment of the Holy Eucharist Prayer Recital Psalm Group 7 (Grades 11 & 12) Solo Song Malayalam Solo Song English Group Song Malayalam - Pathivrithayam Group Song English Holy Church to Heavenly Groom Elocution The Mission of the Church Prayer Recital Psalm Event Guidelines 9.1. Time Limits a) Solo Song - Minimum 2 Minutes and Maximum 5 Minutes b) Recitation - Minimum 2 Minutes and Maximum 5 Minutes c) Elocution - Minimum 2 Minutes and Maximum 5 Minutes d) Time limit is NOT applicable to Group Songs 11

12 9.2. Solo Songs Rules for English and Malayalam Solo Songs a) The Song must be Non- Liturgical, which means Christian Devotional songs. b) The Maximum time limit for the solo song is five (5) minutes. A Yellow Card sign will be shown after four (4) minutes and a Red card sign after five (5) minutes. Overall, five (5) points must be deducted by each judge if the song is more than five (5) minutes (continuation of song after Red card). c) Seven copies of the solo song must be brought by the participant for the judging purpose. If any judge does not get a copy of the song, the judge will not grade the participant. d) For Malayalam solo song, seven copies of the song must be in Malayalam and seven copies of the song in Manglish. e) Books or notes are NOT allowed to be used by the participants. If the participant uses books or notes, then the participant will not be graded for that event. f) Participants are not allowed to state an introduction. If any introduction is given, other than stating the name of the song, five (5) points must be deducted by each judge for that participant. g) Evaluation will be done based on: I. Diction & Dynamics II. Pitch III. Phrasing IV. Presentation h) Definitions of the evaluation criteria will be on the Grading sheet. i) Each evaluation criteria is worth a maximum of 25 points each. The total score is out of 100 points. j) All the participants must be in appropriate church attire (No T-shirts, jeans, or shorts). If the participants are not in church attire, five (5) points must be deducted by each Judge for that participant. k) Wearing scarves is at the discretion of the participant and will not affect judging in any manner Group Songs - Rules for English and Malayalam Group Songs a) There is no time limit for the assigned English and Malayalam group songs. b) Books or notes are NOT allowed to use in the competition. If books or notes are used by anyone in the group, then the group will not be graded for that event. c) Participants are not allowed to state an introduction. If any introduction is given, other than stating the name of the song, five (5) points must be deducted by each judge for that participant. d) Evaluation will be done based on: I. Diction & Dynamics II. Pitch III. Phrase IV. Presentation e) Definitions of the evaluation criteria will be on the Grading sheet. f) Each evaluation criteria is worth a maximum of 25 points each. The total score is out of 100 points. 12

13 g) The candidate must sing only the liturgical song assigned for each group and must sing exactly the same version of the group songs provided from the regional committee for the competition. No other songs or versions will be graded. h) A participating group must have a minimum of two (2) participants and a maximum number of seven (7) participants in a group. If any participant from the official registration list is absent, the remaining group will be allowed to sing, provided there is a minimum of two (2) participants present. i) No substitution of participants will be allowed. Only participants whose names are in the official list given by each Parish will be allowed to participate. j) The MC shall verify the identity of participants prior to each event. k) All the participants must be in appropriate church attire (no T-shirt, jeans, shorts etc.). If the participant is not in church attire, five (5) points will be deducted by each judge. l) Wearing scarves is at the discretion of the participant and will not affect judging in any manner Song Evaluation - Explanation of Terms a) Diction and Dynamics: Language and words should be precise and clearly sung. The tune and manner of singing are also evaluated (25 Points). b) Pitch: Notes should sound melodious according to the tune of the song (25 Points). c) Phrasing: Phrasing the lines of the song and use of breath is evaluated (25 Points). d) Presentation: Overall enthusiasm and performance of the participant. (25 Points) Elocution- Rules a) Presentation of the elocution must be in the English language only, with exception of direct quotations and songs. b) Participants must present the topic assigned for each group. No other presentations will be graded. c) Participants should speak about the given subject for a minimum of two minutes in order to be graded for the item. d) The Maximum time limit for the elocution is five (5) minutes. A Yellow Card sign will be shown after four (4) minutes and a Red card sign after five (5) minutes. Overall, five (5) points must be deducted by each judge if the elocution is more than five (5) minutes (continuation of elocution after Red card). e) Books or notes are NOT allowed to use by the participants. If the participant uses books or notes, then the participant will not be graded for that item. f) All the participants must be in appropriate church attire (no T-shirt, jeans, shorts etc.). If the participant is not in church attire, five (5) points will be deducted by each judge. Wearing scarves is at the discretion of the participant and will not affect judging in any manner. g) Evaluation will be done based on: I. Introduction II. Knowledge of the Subject III. Presentation IV. Conclusion h) Definitions of the evaluation criteria will be on the grading sheet. 13

14 i) Each evaluation criteria is assigned maximum points per explanations below. The total score is out of 100 points Elocution - Explanation of Terms a) Introduction: An introduction should provide the background knowledge and courtesy towards the audience to introduce them to the topic (15 Points). b) Knowledge: The knowledge on the topic should well inform all the audience in a clear and appropriate manner (35 Points). c) Presentation: The speaker should talk very clearly and keep the audience interested with voice, body language, enthusiasm, and appropriate attire (35 Points) d) Conclusion: The speaker should sum up with points and end the speech making sure that the topic was fully presented to the audience (15 Points) 9.7. Prayer Recital Rules for Group 1-2 a) Participants should fully recite the assigned prayer for their group. b) Participants are not allowed to state an introduction. If any introduction is given, other than stating the name of the prayer, five (5) points must be deducted by each judge for that participant. c) Books or notes are NOT allowed to use by the participants. If the participant uses books or notes, then the participant will not be graded for that item. d) Presentation must be in English language. e) Prayer must be recited in a solemn manner strictly reflecting the traditions and customs of the Malankara Orthodox Church. f) Chanting or saying the prayer is at the discretion of the participant and will not affect judging in any manner. g) All the participants must be in appropriate church attire (no T-shirt, jeans, shorts etc.). If the participant is not in church attire, five (5) points will be deducted by each judge. h) Wearing scarves is at the discretion of the participant and will not affect judging in any manner. i) Evaluation will be done based on: I. Accuracy & Diction II. Phrasing III. Presentation j) Definitions of the evaluation criteria will be on the Grading sheet. k) Each evaluation criteria is worth a maximum of 25 points each. The total score is out of 75 points Prayer Recital Rules for Group 3-7 a) Participants should fully recite the assigned portion for their group. b) Participants are not allowed to state an introduction. If any introduction is given, other than stating the name of the prayer, five (5) points must be deducted by each judge for that participant. 14

15 c) Books or notes are NOT allowed to use by the participants. If the participant uses books or notes, then the participant will not be graded for that item. d) Presentation must be in English language. e) Recitation must be recited in a solemn manner strictly reflecting the traditions and customs of the Malankara Orthodox Church. f) Chanting or saying the prayer is at the discretion of the participant and will not affect judging in any manner. g) All the participants must be in appropriate church attire (no T-shirt, jeans, shorts etc.). If the participant is not in church attire, five (5) points will be deducted by each judge. h) Wearing scarves is at the discretion of the participant and will not affect judging in any manner. i) Evaluation will be done based on: I. Accuracy & Diction II. Phrasing III. Presentation j) Definitions of the evaluation criteria will be on the Grading sheet. k) Each evaluation criteria is worth a maximum of 25 points each. The total score is out of 75 points Prayer Recital - Explanation of Terms a) Accuracy & Diction: Language and words should be precise and accurate, assigned topic should be clearly and fully recited (25 Points). b) Phrasing: Phrasing the lines of prayer/bible reading and use of breaths is evaluated (25 Points). c) Presentation: The voice, body language, enthusiasm, fluidity and proper use of the sign of the cross at appropriate times will be evaluated (25 Points). 10. Miscellaneous Items Master of Ceremony Guidelines a) MC s attire must be appropriate per the established expectation for participants. b) Prior to each event, the MC shall announce the names of all the participants for that event. c) Participant s name will be called out 3 times before the performance. d) If the participant is not available to perform after the announcement and if there has been no prior communication of any personal emergency by the respective Principal, then it will be considered as a no show. e) The MC shall read the names of each participant (for solo and group events) and verify the identity of the participant prior to participation. f) The master list of participant verification shall be turned in to the venue coordinator at the end of each event. g) Regional Committee will take the appropriate steps to assign an MC in case of the MC s absence. h) The MC will call out only the names of the participants and will not make any other remarks before or after the event. 15

16 10.2. Tabulation Process a) Each church will provide one representative to the tabulation committee. b) The seven (7) representatives will oversee the tabulation process using calculators to doublecheck the results and assist the tabulation coordinator as needed. c) A software program will be used for tabulation of all results. d) The software program shall be tested prior to the Regional Competition. e) The Tabulation Committee shall have a briefing on the day of the competition, prior to tabulation starting. f) Professionalism and confidentiality shall be stressed at this briefing. g) Out of the seven evaluations by the judges, the highest and lowest scores awarded to the participants will be eliminated before the final grading. h) Remaining four scores will be used for final grading. The tabulation program will automatically calculate total scores for each candidate for each event. i) Additional deduction column will be added for all events for improper attire. j) Additional deduction columns will be added for Elocution tabulation sheet for less than 2 minutes and greater than 5 minutes. k) Additional deduction columns will be added for Song event tabulation sheet for greater than 5 minutes. l) In case of any scoring or tabulation irregularities, the regional committee should be notified immediately. m) An electronic file of winners will be maintained by the Tabulation Committee and this list will be printed and given to the Regional Coordinator at the end of tabulation. n) The participants for each event shall be setup in the same order in both the judging sheets as well as the tabulation tables. o) As much as possible the same participant shall not start or end consecutive events Winners and Awards Guidelines a) At the end of the competitions, awards will be distributed at the venue to the 1st and 2nd place winners at the venue for all competition day events, and to 1st, 2nd, 3rd place winners for written events. b) Awards will be given during the final day of the OVBS during the Dallas Regional Catholicate Centenary Celebration. c) Medals (Gold and Silver) will be awarded to all winners of solo and group events in all Groups d) No tiebreakers are required for any first and second place winners. e) The award shall have the diocesan emblem 16

17 10.4. Ever-Rolling Trophy Award a) An ever-rolling trophy for first place will be awarded to the church that scores the highest points. b) Second place trophy will be awarded to the church that scores the second highest points. c) The point system for the items will be as follows: I. 1st place winners get 5 points II. 2nd place winners get 3 points d) Points will be awarded as defined above, to winning teams for Group Songs. e) In the event of a tie, then the winners will keep the trophy for 6 months in each church according to the alphabetical order of the church name. f) The regional coordinator will make necessary transportation arrangements after the first 6 months period from one church to another. g) It is the responsibility of the Vicar and the principal of the winning parish to bring back the trophy to the venue of the next year s competition prior to the starting of the event. h) No further ever-rolling trophies will be accepted or setup for the Regional Competitions Candidates with Special Needs a) Any participants, who have physical, mental, or intellectual challenges, can provide a letter from their parish priest stating their challenges. b) The Regional Competition Committee will take appropriate steps to accommodate those candidates as per their needs. c) The request must be sent to the Regional Coordinator by the principal of the candidate's parish on or before Saturday, March 24th, Financial Matters a) Funds will be raised from Regional parishes, Individuals and Businesses. b) The committee has agreed to charge $10 per participating student, from each church to meet the expenses of the competition. c) Any unused amount will be carried over to the next year's oral and/or written competition. d) The amount due from each parish will be determined on March, 24th 2012 when then names are submitted. e) Any parish that does not make full payment of their agreed-upon amount within the deadline of March 24th, 2012 shall not be allowed to send any participants to the Regional Competition. f) Checks should be written in the name of the church of the regional coordinator. g) All expenses for this event will be from the common fund collected from the parishes of the region and from sponsors. h) Any remaining balance will be returned to each church. i) In the event of any deficits, then it will be collected from the regional parishes proportional to their number of participating students. j) Checks can be made payable to the Regional Coordinator. 17

18 k) Those who would like to be a sponsor can make a charitable donation to the cause of Sunday School Competitions by writing a check towards the hosting parish Additional Guidelines a) If any of the Judges, Coordinators, Volunteers or MC is absent or late for the event, the Regional Competition Committee will take the appropriate steps towards filling that position and continue the competition without any interruption. b) The Regional Competition committee has the full responsibility to delegate any tasks to any suitable candidates with the approval of the regional coordinator for the smooth functioning of the event. c) All participants, Principals, Coordinators, Volunteers, MCs and Judges must be in appropriate church attire for the entire duration of the competition (no T-shirt, jeans, shorts etc.) per the established expectation for participants. d) Competition schedules along with names of participants for each event will be posted at all venues. e) The Visudha Kurbanakramam (MOC Publications); Living Sacrifice; and the Orthodox Study Bible will be source of all assigned subject and material for the Competition. Yours in His Service, Philip Thomas Dallas Region Coordinator 18